IPL 2019: 5 Reasons why Kings XI Punjab can win their maiden IPL trophy this season

The Kings XI Punjab finished a disappointing seventh last season. After a brilliant start, Ravichandran Ashwin's men weren't able to close out games; a few missed chances came back to haunt them a lot.

Punjab retained only nine players ahead of the auction and as expected, they were the busiest team in the auction. Their choices were good though, and it looks like they have assembled a strong squad this season.

Though they will start underdogs, this Punjab team can certainly pose a threat to other teams, and is capable of winning the IPL 2019 title. Here are 5 reasons why:

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#5 Less pressure on them to win as they won't start as favorites

Kings XI Punjab will start as underdogs and they can use to their advantage

This is something which is common in most sporting fields. Being an underdog is easy; when you win, you make people open their mouths in amazement but if you lose, there's nothing to fuss about because that was what was expected.

There doesn't seem to be pressure on this KXIP team and they will certainly not start favorites when compared to the likes of SRH, RCB or CSK.

Kings XI Punjab have struggled over the years and it won't be a surprise if that is repeated again in 2019. They have actually lost quite a number of fans; their fan base isn't as big as some of the other teams.

The players can turn this to their advantage; the reduced pressure can enable them to drive through with vehemence and win the title this season.

#4 Change in team management

Mike Hesson will take over as KXIP's Head Coach

The role of coaches in cricket is as important as that of the players. And with Mike Hesson taking charge as Head Coach, Kings XI Punjab have a great coach this season.

Apart from Tom Moody, Punjab haven't had tactically astute coaches like Mahela Jayawardene or Stephen Fleming in the past seasons, and Mike Hesson can be just that. He has a brilliant cricketing mind and tons of experience as a former cricketer and commentator.

Hesson displayed his tactical temperament in his choices at the auction, and has assembled a great squad. Kings XI Punjab can really thrive under such a coach and will hope that he can lead the players to a title victory.

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#3 Strong middle order

The problems for most IPL teams last season were caused by the fragility of their middle orders. Almost no team could escape unscathed and this auction, many middle order batsmen and all rounders were signed by teams.

KXIP were one of the worst sufferers as only one middle order batsman scored a 50+ score. This season, they have acquired Mandeep Singh from RCB and he can certainly add tremendous stability to the side.

David Miller is expected to play a key role and with Moises Henriques as backup, their No.5 and No.6 spots will be settled. The most exciting buy though is Nicholas Pooran, who is on a roll as far as T20 cricket is concerned. He is tearing apart bowling attacks in the BPL and has a tremendous T20 history.

Pooran can also don the gloves and him batting at No.4 will prove to be very useful as he can accelerate in the death overs if the top order comes good or can build a partnership in case they don't.

Sam Curran and skipper Ashwin are certainly good batsmen, and they too can wield the long handle if needed.

#2- Adequate Backups

Andrew Tye and Yuvraj Sngh

One persistent problem for the Kings XI Punjab last season was their lack of backups in case their main players were injured or misfired. Last season, it was a case of the latter because their highly talented middle order were poor and the side didn't have much to call as backup. Players like Marcus Stoinis and Yuvraj Singh constantly disappointed but were persisted with for there was no replacement for them.

Why David Miller wasn't approached, we don't know but the approach of loading the top and leaving the bottom with nothing clearly hurt them last season. This season, they have got good backups for most positions. Gayle can serve as both first-choice or as a backup opener and they have Moises Henriques in their middle order. Hardus Viljoen, the T10 League star will be adequate backup for Andrew Tye and their spin attack has many good talents.

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#1- Presence of multiple match winners

Chris Gayle and KL Rahul will be crucial for the Kings XI Punjab this season

The Kings XI Punjab have had many star players playing for them in the past but never has the team been as strong as what it is now. They seemed to have picked out a balanced squad and they have a strong bowling lineup coupled with an equally able batting lineup. KL Rahul, Nicholas Pooran, David Miller and Chris Gayle are proven match winners and though all of them can't be expected to play at the same time, they are surely expected to play a huge part some time in the season.

Sam Curran, Andrew Tye and Mujeeb will be forces to reckon with while Ashwin and Shami will provide experience to the side. With such a strong team, Kings XI Punjab can certainly go the distance and win IPL 2019.